March Green Drinks

Join Recycle Utah for March Green Drinks on March 10th from 6-8 pm to learn about developments in electronics and battery recycling.

Most of us have a drawer full of old phones, chargers, and cables, but very few people know what actually happens after we drop them off for recycling. This talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at why electronics can’t be handled the same way as ordinary household waste, how they can be both a safety risk and a valuable source of materials, and why modern recycling programs exist in the first place. Find out where our gadgets actually go after we’re finished using them — and why it matters more than most people realize.

Appetizers and beverages will be served. This is a 21+ event. Please carpool or take transit (City Park stop) if possible.

Robert Laughlin is the Vice President of Business Development at METech Recycling, an R2v3‑certified electronics recycling and IT asset disposition company operating nationwide. With more than 25 years of experience in electronics recycling and resource recovery, Robert has worked with municipalities, state agencies, and private organizations to design practical, sustainable programs for managing end‑of‑life technology.

He has collaborated extensively with Salt Lake County and regional partners to improve e‑waste collection and handling systems, supported public‑sector outreach and policy discussions on responsible electronics management, and helped organizations understand both the environmental and material value of discarded electronics. His work focuses on bridging the gap between environmental stewardship and real‑world operational solutions.